Mngqithi says Sundowns 'must be worried' about high-flying Richards Bay as Cup clash looms

Mamelodi Sundowns return to competitive action for the first time in 2022 with a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 encounter with GladAfrica Championship side Richards Bay on Friday.

The reigning DStv Premiership champions and current runaway league leaders surprisingly ended last year with a 1-0 loss to AmaZulu before being held to a 1-1 stalemate with Marumo Gallants.

They have, however, had plenty of time to work on any lingering issues, alongside making a couple of shrewd acquisitions this January transfer market.

Sundowns also successfully navigated the MTN8 with victory over Cape Town City in this season's final and will be eager to pick up some more silverware and the prize money that goes along with it.

Richards Bay, meanwhile, are riding high at the top of the First Divison standings, with nine wins, five draws and just three losses from their opening 17 games this season.

They have enjoyed some giant-killing victories over the past years and will not be intimidated by the prospect of facing their more illustrious opposition.

Ahead of the game, Brazilians co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi said his side has prepared well for their campaign's second half.

He told his club's website: "We unfortunately have to start with the Nedbank Cup away from home, but we will have to give it our best shot.

"I'm very confident [that] the team is ready to start [the second round of] the season, but we have to take each game as it comes and not be too confident because that can be dangerous.

On their opponents, Mngqithi added: "The team is looking very interesting, you must treat the game with a lot of respect and a lot of humility.

"You must understand that it will not be easy to play against Richards Bay, because they are a team with a lot of pedigree in